And now, for my off topic rant of the week/month:
I’m feeling a bit stressed by the holiday hoopla that’s already beginning. As a freelancer, it seems that we’re ALWAYs on a budget. And some of our family…well…aren’t :) So, with no further ado..
Seven Ways to Make this a Holiday Season You’ll Actually Enjoy
We’re all aware of the hassle, hype, and financial disarray that generally tag alongside a major holiday like Christmas. The advertising starts in October, and doesn’t let up until the last inflatable Santa has been clearanced. It can be hard to relax and enjoy the spirit of the holidays, when the prevailing spirit seems to be massive consumerism. After all, who really enjoys trudging through the store at midnight on December 23rd, looking for a last minute gift for Aunt Millie?
The holiday season used to be a time for connecting with family, sharing good food and simple pleasures. However, its turned into a months long stress fest, with friends and family members striving to outdo each other with the perfect gift. Instead of simply showing our loved ones we care, we end up in hoc for years to the credit card companies, for gifts that have long since gone to the thrift store or mission. Somewhere along the line, holiday spending turned into an obligation - one that few of us can actually afford.
This year, try eliminating some of the hype. By turning down the roar of the television, radio, and billboards screaming at you to buy, buy, buy, you just might be able to save your sanity and some cash at the same time. Instead of spending excessively, take the time to make a budget, plan for parties and gifts, and have a Christmas that’s within your means. You’ll eliminate a good deal of stress by making sound financial decisions - no one really enjoys the holiday spending hangover.
So, without further ado, here’s our list of the top ten ways to enjoy the upcoming holiday, sans commercialism.
1. Plan for Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts don’t always have to be elaborate - instead, think about what the recipient might truly enjoy or use, and find a way to give it to them without heading directly to the store. Instead of purchasing yet another widget for your uncle’s collection, why not bake him a loaf of the banana bread he always raves about? If your sister has always wanted to learn to crochet, consider offering her a coupon book for a series of lessons. Homemade gifts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to hit the mark, and they give you a chance to showcase your creative skills.
2. Stick to a Budget
Set a dollar amount that you can afford, and stick to it. It may mean you have to be creative. It may mean that the postman, babysitter, and dog walker don’t get gifts this year - they’ll survive! Nothing causes holiday stress like knowing that you’re purchasing your gifts on borrowed money. Interest rates and after-holiday credit card bills can pile up quickly - avoid them by spending only the budgeted amount.
3. Party on the Cheap
Before inviting house guests, take the time to assess your party budget. Do you really want to serve crab and champagne, or would a simple fondue party be more fun (and more affordable) ? All too often, the joy of the holiday season is ruined by the obligation to dress up, go to parties, and spend time with people we barely know. Instead, why not host a casual gathering for your immediate friends, and call it done?
4. Send a Newsletter for Free
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on printing and mailing your holiday cards, letters, and more, why not try an email newsletter? Sites like Smilebox allow you to add family photos and make beautiful montages. Another option is to format the newsletter at home, add some family pictures, and covert it to a pdf file to send via email. Your relatives and friends will have one less card to throw away, and your wallet will be grateful!
5. Limit Travel
With gas prices on the rise, there’s no better reason to stay home for the holidays! Instead of feeling pressure to commute across the country this Christmas, consider relaxing at home. You can always enjoy a holiday phone call - even with long distance rates, this is far cheaper than travel. Besides, did you really want to pack the toddler into the car, drive for hours, and then try to find a restroom? I thought not. Take the time this year to laze around on Christmas morning, drink your coffee, and spend the day in your jammies. You’ve earned it.
6. Try a Closet Gift Exchange
Instead of striving for the perfect gift, closet gift exchanges focus on the imperfect ones. “Closet gifts” are just that - gifts given with love from the back of the closet, junk pile, or attic. Focus on the weirdest thing you have that might still make a gag gift, and you’ve captured the essence of a closet gift. Their beauty is in their weirdness, as well as in their price. By choosing a fun gift exchange of this nature, you’re taking much of the pressure off of the holiday gift giving, but still allowing participants to show that they care in a unique way. It doesn’t get much better than that!
7. Limit the Number of Gifts
Often, we’re tempted to overbuy for our children. We see more and more gifts that they’ll enjoy, and before we know it, each child has a large pile “just for them”. This year, consider limiting the number of toys and gifts you purchase to three or four per child. This allows them to truly enjoy what they have and appreciate it, instead of simply blowing through the stack of presents and wondering what’s next. Don’t think of it as depriving your child - instead, focus on a smaller number of high quality toys. They’ll last longer, and you’ll have less broken junk to pick through when the holiday is over.
Now that you have the knowledge you need to enjoy your holiday - be prepared. Your family and friends will be jealous. They will attempt to manipulate you into spending more, traveling more, and stressing more. Don’t fall victim to their wiles! Instead, take a deep breath and explain to them that you are scaling back on the holiday hype. It’s a conscious decision, not an oversight, and you’d appreciate their support. Don’t be surprised if they decide that they must have the secret to your laid back holiday attitude - and don’t be afraid to share. After all - the world could use a little less hype.